Patents by Inventor Dean J. Tuma

Dean J. Tuma has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Acetaldehyde and malondialdehyde protein adducts as markers for alcohol liver disease
    Patent number: 6814951
    Abstract: A novel protein adduct is disclosed which is associated with the presence of alcohol liver disease. The adduct is a hybrid product of malondialdehyde and acetaldehyde which act synergistically to bind hepatic proteins. The adduct is highly immunogenic and fluorescent. Methods of detection are also disclosed including monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Thiele, Thomas L. McDonald, Dean J. Tuma, Lynell W. Klassen, Michael F. Sorrell
  • High fluorescence specific immune enhancing factor and methods of use for same
    Patent number: 6120777
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adduct which acts as a specific immune-enhancing factor. In addition to its highly specific and immunogenic properties, the factor is highly fluorescent. It has an excitation frequency of about 398 nanometers and an absorbance of about 460 nanometers. The factor is also highly reactive and is also adducted to antigens including complex proteins, lipids, carbohydrates or DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Thiele, Thomas L. McDonald, Dean J. Tuma, Lynell W. Klassen, Michael F. Sorrell
  • Acetaldehyde and malondialdehyde protein adducts
    Patent number: 5939535
    Abstract: A novel protein adduct is disclosed which is associated with the presence of alcohol liver disease. The adduct is a hybrid product of malondialdehyde and acetaldehyde which act synergistically to bind hepatic proteins. The adduct is highly immunogenic and fluorescent. Methods of detection are also disclosed including monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Thiele, Thomas L. McDonald, Dean J. Tuma, Lynell W. Klassen, Michael F. Sorrell
  • Use of betaine as a hepatic generator of S-adenosylmethionine and as a protective agent against hepatotoxicity
    Patent number: 5428063
    Abstract: This invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions in the dietary supplement for treating or preventing fatty infiltration, the first stage of cirrhosis of the liver comprising and administering of not less than 1500 mg of betaine per kg of body weight per day. Dietary supplementation of betaine was shown to completely protect against liver fatty infiltration in rats exposed to prolonged ethanol intake as well as carbon tetrachloride. Hepatic levels of SAM were also elevated, which suggests the mechanism for the protection of the liver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Anthony J. Barak, Dean J. Tuma, Harriet C. Beckenhauer